The number of raids launched by migrants trying to reach the UK from Calais has soared again despite claims from the government that it has “got a grip” on the crisis.

Up to 1,700 attempts were made by migrants to break into the Channel tunnel terminal overnight between Sunday and Monday, causing fierce clashes with French police.

The main police union said that 700 people were physically removed from the freight terminal or restrained, with one officer taken to hospital after being hit by a stone. The figure was down on the peak of 2,000 raids made last Monday and Tuesday but well up on the 300 witnessed on Friday night.

Philip Hammond, the foreign secretary, said: “I think we have got a grip on